Lung Ha at 40: Spotlight on… Colin McIlveny

Mar 18 2025 | By Thom Dibdin More

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lung Ha Theatre Company, All Edinburgh Theatre is delighted to collaborate with the award-winning professional company for actors and theatre makers who are autistic or learning-disabled.

Lung Ha have marked the occasion by commissioning a series of portraits of every member of its 24-strong ensemble from Edinburgh-based photographer Peter Dibdin. Æ will publish the individual portraits over the coming year of celebrations (see our News story: Lung Ha hit 40). We are publishing a new spotlight on a different actor every fortnight.

Lung Ha Actor Colin McIlveny, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Spotlight #22: Colin McIlveny

Colin has been attending Lung Ha since 2012. Colin really enjoys his drama classes and meeting up with his friends. Colin also enjoys his work at Roots and Fruits where he volunteers and during the pandemic received an award for his work.

Lung Ha Actor Colin McIlveny, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

ACTOR Q&A

What do you think is the most fabulous thing about being an actor? Being able to play different characters.

If you could give an aspiring actor one piece of advice, what would it be? Always pay attention to the people in charge!

40 years is a big milestone during which we look back but also look ahead! What are your hopes or ambitions for the future? To keep attending Lung Ha and continuing to enjoy it. Lung Ha is somewhere I can go and meet my friends, and I feel safe when I’m there.

The 40th anniversary photo shoot took place at the Traverse Theatre. Costumes by Karen Tennent; hair and make-up by Catherine Christie.

Browse the rest of the Spotlight on series here.